ESL Podcast 964 - Using Infographics

text - written words, without images; words on a page or website

The professor asked us to write a five-page report, but we don't know if she wanted single- or double-spaced text.

to take the time to - to set aside time for a particular task or activity, especially when one should or could do many other things with that time

It's important for new parents to take the time to relax and enjoy each other's company, without focusing on their child for at least a few minutes.

complex - complicated; difficult to understand or follow; not simple or easy

Why does the home-buying process have to be so complex? Why do we have to sign so many documents?

moving parts - things that are changing and interacting, especially quickly and in unpredictable ways, when one needs to be aware of the current status of something

The new marketing plan has a lot of moving parts, so we won't be able to measure its success for several months.

to simplify - to make something simpler and easier

The local government is trying to simplify the car registration process.

essential - the most important part of something; something that is necessary and cannot be left out

It's essential for doctors to develop good relationships and trust with their patients.

infographic - a graphic representation of data or information; a graphic using colors, tables, charts, and images to present information with little or no text

A well-designed infographic can convey as much information as a 10-page report.

to encapsulate - to surround and cover; to summarize; to include

Violent movies like this encapsulate all the reasons why we don't let our kids go to the movie theater.

visual - an image, photograph, or graphic; not text

Good public speakers are comfortable using visuals as they speak to an audience.

to get distracted by - to have one's attention taken away from the most important thing by something that is more interesting or attractive

If the students get distracted by things that are outside, just close the curtains.

statistics - information in numbers resulting from an analysis of data, such as the mean (average), median, mode, and standard deviation

The survey results are interesting, but we won't know if they're meaningful for the larger population until we have a chance to review the statistics.

map - a drawing that shows the size and location of places or objects

Can you show us where you live on this map?

graphic - an image, especially one created by a computer; not text or a photograph

Which graphic should we use for the cover page?

hierarchy - a chart that shows the relationships and power between people or things, usually with the most powerful one at the top and the least powerful ones at the bottom

Why does our company have so many layers of middle-management in the organizational hierarchy?

network - a system of people or things, especially computers, connecting with and relating to one another

The university's computer network is password-protected.

to not know the first thing about - to be unfamiliar with something; to not have any information or skills related to something

I was one of five boys, so I don't know the first thing about raising a little girl.

underappreciated - not fully recognized for one's achievements or contributions; not receiving enough admiration or support for one's efforts or work

Your mother feels underappreciated. Could you please start thanking her for all the things she does for you?